|
Equipment Leasing
Documentation Manager
Walnut Creek, CA
Manage all aspects of the lease documentation unit. Requires a BA/BS; 7+ years of leasing and contract experience; Click here for detailed description & resume submission info.
|
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Friday, November 18, 2005
Headlines---
New Feature--- Hotels/Places to Stay
Mortgage Rates Up
Classified Ads---Sales Manager
Summit National Chapter 11: Up-Date
Royal Links Scandal Up-Date
ELA Boca Ratan Convention-Up-Date
Alexa Ranks Leasing Web Sites
Cartoon---
Classified Ads-Help Wanted
Web Seminar
-State of the Leasing Industry
Top Broadband Users-U.S. 7th
Sterling Financial Q Dividend
IDB Leasing Now in South Plainfield, NJ
GE Commercial Finance $100MM Hotel Fin.
AAA: Thanksgiving Travel to Increase
News Briefs---
You May Have Missed--
Sports Briefs---
California Nuts Briefs---
"Gimme that Wine"
Restaurant Review---Scottsdale, Arizona
Today's Top Event in History
This Day in American History
American Football Poem
######## surrounding the article denotes it is a "press release"
New Feature--- Hotels/Places to Stay:
"I think many readers, like myself would be interested in submitting reviews of places to stay around the country??---my initial thought is trying to stay at pleasure type places when on business travel--i.e., not destination resorts."
Avi Goldstein
VP Sales
Pitney Bowes Capital
312 751 9848
wwww.pbcapitalservices.com
(Thank you for the new feature. We will introduce this in December.
We also invite other readers to participate. Editor)
[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgage Rates Up
For the tenth consecutive week, reaching the highest level in two years, Freddie Mac reported that the nationwide average for 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages rose to 6.37%, from last week's 6.36%.
This is the highest level since 30-year mortgages were at 6.44% in early September 2003.
Rates on 15-year, fixed-rate mortgages, a popular price for refinancing a home mortgage, averaged 5.90%, up from 5.89%.
One-year adjustable rate mortgages rose to 5.20%, from 5.12%.
Rates on five-year hybrid adjustable rate mortgages averaged 5.86%, up from 5.81%.
The nationwide averages for mortgage rates do not include add-on fees known as points. All categories of mortgages in the Freddie Mac survey carried a nationwide average fee of 0.6 point last week.
[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------
Classified Ads---Sales Manager
(Photograph by Dave Cummings Photography
http://www.lovethosekids.com/dcpics/nashville/adowntown.htm )
Atlanta, GA
30 years in transportation Finance with strong management/ sales background. Represented company on national & region markets. Started two successful operations- produce profits and growth.
Email: pml@mindspring.com
Chicago, IL.
Successful sales manager has 15 years experience with captives and independents. Expertise in re-energizing existing sales teams and territories, also building teams from scratch. True Team Leader looking for new challenge.
email: Murph5553@aol.com
Chicago, IL
Senior sales manager seeks Chicago based sales management role with growing, creative, customer focused lessor. Extensive experience/documented results in all aspects of information technology leasing.
Email: belanger@dataflo.net
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX.
Domestic-int'l exp. Small to middle ticket. 24 yrs with Fortune 500 firms(2). Consistently achieves margin/ volume goals.
Email: dptr7300@sbcglobal.net
Marlton, NJ
25 years exper. Promoted to sales manager after attaining highest percentage of quota for 2 years. Increased business by 50% over two years as sales manager.
Email: Sjgaul@aol.com
New York, NY
I have over 25 years owning an independent leasing company that specialized in truck leasing. Tow trucks, Limos, ambulances, tractors, etc..
Email: rfleisher@rsrcapital.com
Pennsauken, NJ.
17 Years Leasing in all capacities from CSR and Collections to National Sales Management and Vice President Vendor Development. Exceptional People Skills. Many industry references.
email: cherfurth1@aol.com
Portland, OR.
18+ yrs w/bank leasing company. Supervised 14- 20 sales people. Willing to relocate for the proper position.
Email: pthygeson@netscape.net
Scottsdale, AZ
Have successfully built or rebuilt 3 national sales forces in 3 different industry niches. Strong credit and operations background compliment overall experience. Strong industry references.
Email: azlessor@cox.net
For a full listing of all "job wanted" ads, please go to:
http://216.66.242.252/AL/LeasingNews/JobPostings.htm
To place a free "job wanted" ad, please go to:
http://216.66.242.252/AL/LeasingNews/PostingForm.asp
[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------
Summit National Chapter 11: Up-Date
It appears there have been some concessions and compromises regarding the original leasing software company Summit National, Chicago, Illinois, dispute with Daimler Chrysler, which Summit President Ken Duffy, Sr., said forced the company to fill bankruptcy earlier this year.
The trial was postponed until January 31,2006, according to court records:
161 Agreed Order Reinstating Stay - The automatic stay will remain in full force and effect until January 31, 2006, at which time the automatic stay will be deemed to be automatically modified - Order Effecitve Immediately . Signed on 11/2/2005 (Burton, Shenitha) Modified on 11/8/2005 Corrective Entry: to create a relationship to document # 136 and document # 145(Key, Veronica). (Entered: 11/07/2005)
11/03/2005 159 Hearing Continued (RE: 139 Objection to Claim,, 1 Voluntary Petition (Chapter 11)). Status hearing to be held on 1/31/2006 at 10:00 AM at 219 South Dearborn, Courtroom 619, Chicago, Illinois 60604. (Davis, Shurray) (Entered: 11/03/2005)
11/03/2005 160 Hearing Stricken (RE: [135] Hearing Motion Continued). (Davis, Shurray) (Entered: 11/03/2005)
11/08/2005 162 CORRECTIVE ENTRY to create a relationship to document # 136 and document # 145 (RE: 161 Agreed Order, ). (Key, Veronica) (Entered: 11/08/2005)
Leasing News asked the parties involved for a statement:
Ken Duffy, Sr. responded:
"As before, the Detroit, Cincinnati, and Chicago court records speaks for themselves regarding DaimlerChrysler Services' liability for breach of contract and the reasons for SNI's Summit National Incorporated )voluntary filing for protection under CH 11. Perhaps, as the objective news gatherer, you should speak with both sides and you may wish to contact DCS executives, Mr. Jurgen Walker-President (248-427-6600)or Mr. David Olsen-CFO (248-948-3813),to gain a better understanding of their position on damages and their motives for attempting to acquire control of SNI.
We have no further comment at this time as a pending jury trial in Detroit will determine damages to SNI for DCS breach of contract and one other issue of liability. Thank you for your interest. Regards, "
Neither of the other parties responded.
Here are the conditions and other matters that have brought the action forward to January 31, 2006:
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/Summit_National_BK.pdf
Recent stories on Summit National:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Summit_nat.htm
[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------
Royal Links Scandal Up-Date
A Golf Course General Manager originally sent us an e-mail to look into this:
"Royal Links USA had salesmen call on golf courses to offer free beverage carts. (cold beer, wine, soda's, snacks.) The courses would use them and allow advertising panels to be displayed by Royal Links. Various national merchandisers would pay Royal Links for ads. Royal Links supplied products for free with delivery, and also paid the courses a lump sum (normally $1000) to initially stock the cart with startup merchandise.
"Courses entered into an agreement whereby Royal Links paid the course about $300 per month in sponsorship money, which was then sent back to their leasing arm as a lease payment. This arrangement was simply explained as their accounting procedure.
"We became concerned initially when it was requested the cart be insured for $12,500. The cost of the cart is most likely less then $1000.
"In October 2004, all courses were notified that Royal Links would no longer pay the $300 per month in sponsorship money. Our cart had been delivered about 60 days prior to this notice. The leasing company insisted they were independent and demanded the $300 monthly payment (for 5 years). Preferred Capital quoted a payoff of approximately $15,900."
(name with held)
Subsequently, we learned eleven leasing companies were involved in the alleged fraud with Royal Links.
C&J Leasing
CFC Investment
Dollar Bank Leasing
Excel Financial
Frontier Leasing
IFC Credit
Key Equipment
Landmark Financial
Pawnee Leasing
Preferred Capital
Susquehanna Patriot
The National Golf Course Owners Association sponsored its members involved to join together, which they did, and hired Bissell & Brook,LLP, out of Chicago, Illinois, who as they started ran into a bankruptcy by Royal Links.
The first meeting of creditors in the Royal Links bankruptcy proceedings took place on October 12th. The law firm is now "...waiting to receive the official report of the proceedings from the bankruptcy trustee's office. The bankruptcy trustee has not yet set a deadline for filing proofs of claim.
In the meantime, Lord, Bissell & Brook LLP has prepared a motion to be filed in the bankruptcy court that would allow discovery to proceed against Royal Links, according to the National Golf Course Owners Association. They state this is part of the continuing effort to discover any assets that Royal Links may have to satisfy claims arising out of the beverage caddy agreements.
A number of courses have started to receive communications from the Federal Bureau of Investigation as it continues its investigation of Royal Links, they noted on their web site: http://www.ngcoa.org/, adding "Courses that have not yet been contacted by the FBI should call Debra Hughes, a Victim Specialist with the Boardman, Ohio FBI office. Ms. Hughes's number is 330.965.2920.
"With respect to the leasing companies, there has been some movement lately. A couple of leasing companies (IFC Credit and Key Equipment) have expressed a willingness to resolve disputes involving the leases and in some instances have agreed to settle with courses for amounts less than the balance due under the lease. Courses with outstanding lease obligations should feel free to make independent communications with the leasing companies in an effort to pressure settlements."
[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------
ELA Boca Ratan Convention-Up-Date
ELTnews
"The 2006 Equipment Leasing Association Convention was slated to take place in New Orleans. However, due to uncertainty about New Orleans' readiness to offer the kind of experience convention attendees expect, we are moving to an ELA favorite! So mark your calendar:
"The 45th Annual ELA Convention
October 22-24, 2006
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Palm Desert, CA"
The Leasing News Spring Conference list has been up-dated:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Assc_conf_spring2006.htm
Whether the actual question centers on the timing, Hurricane Season in October, or whether New Orleans will be "back in business" by this date next year, the decision was made to move the conference to Palm Desert, which is the perfect start of the season, great weather; great golf courses, perfect time of the year. We may even attend.
Leasing News has requested several times for the actual numbers of those who registered for the Boca Raton October conference, and the number who actually attended. The last reply to the request was on October 31, where we were informed: " The ELA records are still in transit."
As reported, ELA President Michael Fleming stated it is to be determined if a part of the registration will be returned to those who did not attend the Boca Raton Conference due to Hurricane Katrina.
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/ELA_Conv.htm
[headlines]
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|
Alexa Ranks Leasing Association Web Sites
|
Rank |
|
|
|
WEBSITE NAME |
| 1. |
91,460 |
93,290 |
|
www.aba.com American Bankers Association |
|
2. |
151,398 |
152,379 |
|
www.leasingnews.org Leasing News |
| 3. |
161,062 |
158,477 |
|
www.monitordaily.com Monitor Daily |
|
4. |
216,110 |
219,852 |
|
www.elaonline.com Equipment Leasing Association |
|
5. |
400,645 |
453,409 |
|
www.ibaa.org Ind Community Bankers of America |
| 6. |
495,250 |
558,654 |
|
www.naelb.org* National Assoc. of Equip Leasing Brokers |
|
7. |
510,062  |
442,213 |
|
www.cfa.com Commercial Finance Association |
|
8. |
626,414 |
887,602 |
|
www.us-banker.com U.S.Banker |
|
9. |
715,706 |
612,771 |
|
www.lessors.com eLessors Networking Association |
| 10. |
928,254 |
1,747,687 |
|
www.iicl.org Institute of International Container Lessors |
|
11. |
1,257,445 |
2,740,737 |
|
www.leasefoundation.org Equip. Leasing & Fin Fndn |
| 12. |
1,399,580 |
1,396,298
|
|
www.eael.org*Eastern Association of Equipment Leasing |
|
13. |
1,477,744 |
1,261,040 |
|
www.uael.org United Association of Equipment Leasing |
|
14. |
2,016,690 |
4,157,803 |
|
www.efj.com Equipment Financial Journal |
|
15. |
4,394,288 |
4,317,165 |
|
www.leaseassistant.org Lease Assistant |
|
16. |
4,456,433 |
1,899,260 |
|
www.executivecaliber.ws Exec Caliber-Jeffrey Taylor |
|
17. |
4,674,684 |
4,622,140 |
|
www.clpfoundation.org CLP Foundation |
|
18. |
No Data |
4,092,893 |
|
www.leasecollect.org Lean -Lease Enforcement Att Net |
|
19. |
No Data |
3,962,583 |
|
www.aglf.org Assoc of Government Leasing Financing |
| 20. |
No Data |
No Data |
|
www.mael.org Mid-America Association of Equip Lessors |
|
21. |
No Data
|
No Data
|
|
www.nationalfunding.org The National Funding Assoc |
|
22. |
No Data |
No Data |
|
www.Leasingpress.com Leasing Press |
David G. Mayer's Business Leasing News is not included in the Alexa report list as it does not have its own individual site and Alexa finds Patton Boggs, LLP Attorneys at Law. The rating is not valid as it includes all those who visit and communicate with the law firm. When Business Leasing News has its own individual web site, it will be included in the Alexa survey.
*It should also be noted that two web sites have their "list serve" posted via their site, meaning their e-mails are counted as a visit to the site, whereas they are "list serve" communication. These are technically visits to the web site, but primarily to use "list serve."
These comparisons are compiled by Leasing News using Alexa and should be viewed as a "sampling," rather than an actual count from the website itself. Other than as noted above, we believe the ratings are reflective as most have stayed in the same position, basically, for over a year.
The Alexa tool bar works on most browsers.
They are partnered with Google.
You may download their free tool bar A graph and analysis of the last three months are available.
( Note: the lower the number, the higher you are on the list. It is based on all web sites. Leasing is only a very small part of the various sites such as Yahoo, MSN, Google, etc. )
|
[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------
[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------
Classified Ads---Help Wanted
 |
Administration Manager
Five Point Capital, a well established and growth oriented commercial equipment financing company, is seeking an Administration Manager to lead its Funding and Documentation departments. Seeking those with 5+ years management experience and skilled at leading, mentoring and retaining employees. Small ticket funding experience a plus. Proven ability to maintain and enhance lessor/funder relationships.
Location: San Diego, CA. Send resume and salary history to: HR@FivePointCapital.com
|
|
Documentation Manager
|
Equipment Leasing
Documentation Manager
Walnut Creek, CA
Manage all aspects of the lease documentation unit. Requires a BA/BS; 7+ years of leasing and contract experience; Click here for detailed description & resume submission info.
|
|
These ads were designed by Maria-Martinez Wong. Let her construct and design your ad with the goal to keep your costs down.
maria@leasingnews.org
[headlines]
---------------------------------------------------------------
Web Seminar-State of the Leasing Industry
2005 State of the Industry - Leasing As a Value Proposition
Web Seminar
Thursday, December 1st, 2005
Highlights of what will be discussed appear below:
The 2005 State of the Industry Report, developed by the Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation, and sponsored by SAP America, Inc. and Accenture, combines the analysis of the ELA Survey of Industry Activity with the perspectives of industry leaders and experts to identify trends impacting the industry and their potential implications for the future. In addition to evaluating performance by both lessor type and transaction size, this year's Report assesses some of leasing's most influential drivers (including the economy, competition, accounting and legislative issues, and funding access) and how these drivers are changing the industry. This web seminar presents highlights from the 2005 Report.
New this year: the Report and this session include profiles of several successful lessors and how their "lessons-learned" can be applied across the industry
Get answers to these and other questions:
- Where will future new business opportunities come from?
- What are the internal and external business challenges leasing organizations must face?
- How are lessors reacting to the "middle market squeeze" and the "large ticket slump?"
- Where are the profitable/unprofitable sectors of the business?
Time of Web Seminar (depending upon your time zone):
1:30 pm - 3:30 p.m. Eastern
12:30 pm. - 2:30 p.m. Central
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Mountain
10:30 am - 12:30 pm Pacific
Format:
Attendees will listen to the presenters via telephone, and will view the presentation directly from their computers. The event will consist of a brief formal presentation and be followed by a question period. Questions can be submitted in advance by sending them via email to Lisa A. Levine, CAE at llevine@elamail.com or can be submitted "live" via your telephone or computer on the day of the event. You will be given instructions on how to submit your questions from the conference moderator on the day of the event. The panelists will make every effort to address your questions. In addition, through polling questions, you may be asked to contribute your knowledge, which will be shared with the entire group. You will be able to view the results of these polls as soon as the voting is completed.
Panelists:
David S. Wiener
GE Capital Markets Services, Inc.
Matthew Harvey
Financial Institutes Consulting
Charles Wendel
Financial Institutes Consulting
2005 State of the Industry Report sponsored by:
Site License Fee: $120.00
To register, please click below:
www.krm.com/ela
|
[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------
Top Broadband Users in the World-U.S. 7th
by Kit Menkin
From my trip to Europe and Africa this fall, I can report many television satellites on apartments, often right next to clothes hanging out to dry, and even cities in Portugal had public wireless available.
June, 2004, the country was 20th in broadband subscribers per 100 inhabitants.
Measured in percentage of Internet subscribers with broadband, compared to dial-up, the top seven countries today are Korea (99.1%), Israel (92.6%), Belgium (79.6%), Canada (69.3%), Austria (61.8%), Hong Kong (60.3%), and the US (59.5%).
ITU Broadband subscribers per 100 inhabitants, June 2004
Country Total
Korea 24.9
Hong Kong 20.9
Netherlands 19.4
Denmark 19.3
Canada 17.6
Switzerland 17.0
Taiwan 16.3
Belgium 16.0
Iceland 15.5
Sweden 15.1
Norway 15.0
Israel 14.3
Japan 14.1
Finland 12.8
Singapore 11.6
USA 11.4
France 11.2
UK 10.3
Austria 10.1
Portugal 8.5
Note: This does not include "narrow" band or "dial up"
Source: WebSiteOptimization.com
[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------
### Press Release ###########################
Sterling Financial Corporation of Lancaster, Pa., Announces Quarterly Dividend
LANCASTER, Pa., -- The board of directors of Sterling Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: SLFI) declared a $0.140 per share cash dividend for the fourth quarter of 2005. This $0.140 per share dividend represents a 9.9 percent increase over the $0.128 per share dividend for the fourth quarter of 2004 and a dividend yield of 2.75 percent, based on Sterling's closing market price of $20.38 on Nov. 15, 2005. The fourth quarter dividend is payable on Jan. 3, 2006, to shareholders of record on Dec. 15, 2005.
References to the prior year dividend per share have been restated to reflect the 5-for-4 stock split effected in the form of a 25 percent stock dividend to shareholders of record on May 13, 2005, and paid on June 1, 2005.
With assets of more than $2.9 billion and investment assets under administration of approximately $2.2 billion, Sterling Financial Corporation is a diversified financial services company based in Lancaster, Pa. Sterling Banking Services Group affiliates offer a full range of banking services in south-central Pennsylvania, northern Maryland, and northern Delaware; the group also offers correspondent banking services in the mid-Atlantic region to other companies within the financial services industry. Sterling Financial Services Group affiliates provide specialty commercial financing; fleet and
equipment leasing; investment, trust and brokerage services; insurance services; and human resources consulting. Visit http://www.sterlingfi.com for more information.
[headlines]
### Press Release ###########################
IDB Leasing, Inc., Subsidiary of IDBBank, Moves Offices to South Plainfield, NJ
New York, NY, 5. IDB Leasing, Inc., a subsidiary of Israel Discount Bank of New York ("IDBBank"), has announced its recent move from its Manhattan location to 1001 Durham Avenue in South Plainfield, NJ. The leasing company discounts all types of equipment leases and installment obligations nationwide, with flexible terms and even next day funding capabilities. Until recently, the majority of IDBLeasing®'s business was indirect; however, the breadth of the company's offerings was expanded earlier this year with its acquisition of substantially all the assets of Fleetwood Financial, known for its expertise in vendor-driven direct lease financing and now a division of IDBLeasing. Established in 1999, IDBLeasing quickly began to attract creditworthy middle market clients as well as investment grade business, and its portfolio's sustained growth since then has consistently surpassed annual projections. Direct contact with IDBLeasing's decision-makers enables quick response and turnaround and, for customers of IDBBank, there is no impact on their borrowing capabilities with the Bank. Richard Miller, President of IDBLeasing, stated the objective of the move to New Jersey was to prosper from the "synergy of bringing IDBLeasing and Fleetwood Financial literally under the same roof and combining two back offices into one."
IDBBank, headquartered at 511 Fifth Avenue in NYC, is a New York State-chartered commercial bank and a member of the FDIC. The Bank is ranked the tenth largest commercial bank in the NY area by Crain's New York Business and is also one of the strongest banks in the U.S. based on its liquidity position and capital ratios. Total assets exceed $9 billion.
IDBBank is a registered service mark of Israel Discount Bank of New York; member FDIC. 511 Fifth Avenue, NY, NY 10017
[headlines]
### Press Release ###########################
GE Commercial Finance, Franchise Finance Provides First Development Line of Credit to Hotel Company; Sun Development and Management Receives $100 million in Financing
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.----Sun Development and Management Corporation, which owns and operates more than 25 hotels in nine states under various flags, is funding its growth with $100 million in financing from GE Commercial Finance, Franchise Finance. The loan includes the refinancing of existing locations and a development line of credit for future expansion.
"This represents the largest hospitality financing deal we have closed to date, which shows our ability to fund hotels of all sizes," says Greg O'Stean, senior vice president of hospitality financing for GE Commercial Finance, Franchise Finance. "This also is the first hotel development line of credit our business has ever done and we're looking to do more."
For Sun Development and Management Corporation, the financing affects 19 hotels in Mississippi, Indiana, Ohio, Louisiana, Arkansas, Wisconsin, and Illinois and allows them to build equity and improve their product offering to customers. The development line of credit will be used to develop more than 1,000 rooms throughout the eastern United States under the Hilton, Marriott, and Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) brands.
"The financing allows Sun Development to continue their growth into new markets with an expanding portfolio of top-quality brands," says O'Stean.
Sun Development and Management Corporation selected GE Commercial Finance, Franchise Finance during the second annual Leadership Institute, which is a unique leadership development program that is offered to franchisees and their representatives from the Owners' Association of Intercontinental Hotels Group (IAHI) member hotels.
IAHI and IHG worked closely with GE Commercial Finance, Franchise Finance to create the curriculum for the program themed, "Creating and Leading Winning Teams and Organizations." The program is held annually at the GE John F. Welch Leadership Center, which trains more than 10,000 employees and customers.
"I realized that working with GE Commercial Finance, Franchise Finance was more than just financing," says Bharat Patel, Sun Development chairman and CEO. "Not only are they helping us with refinancing on our existing portfolio, they are fueling our future growth."
The Leadership Institute is just one of many "At the Customer, For the Customer" (ACFC) programs that GE Commercial Finance, Franchise Finance has developed to help its customers enhance quality and customer service.
Among the leadership-focused topics that comprised the curriculum are sessions on understanding leadership styles, leading effective teams, and collaborative problem solving.
For Patel the decision was easy. "Stay with the people you know and trust," he says.
The two companies worked quickly by leveraging their existing relationship and deep roots in the hospitality industry to complete a rapid deal closing, despite the amount.
About GEFF
GE Commercial Finance, Franchise Finance (GEFF) is a leading lender for the franchise finance market via direct sales and portfolio acquisition in the United States and Canada. With more than $11 billion in served assets, GEFF serves more than 6,000 customers and more than 20,000 property locations, primarily in the restaurant, hospitality, branded beverage, storage, and automotive industries. GEFF offers customers access to capital with a menu of products featuring flexible structuring, including financing for acquisitions, refinancing, construction of new units, and remodels for single- and multi-unit operators/chains. More information is available at www.gefranchisefinance.com or by calling toll-free 866-GET-GEFF (438-4333).
About GE Commercial Finance
GE Commercial Finance is the business-to-business finance unit of General Electric. With deep industry expertise and lending, leasing and financing services of every kind, GE Commercial Finance plays a key role in helping its customers grow. Conducting business in 35 countries, GE Commercial Finance has assets of more than US$230 billion and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, USA.
General Electric (NYSE:GE) is Imagination at Work - a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems.
Arment Dietrich Gini Dietrich, 312-787-7249 gini.dietrich@armentdietrich.com or GE Commercial Finance, Franchise Finance Christine Roe, 480-563-6260 christine.roe@ge.com
[headlines]
### Press Release ###########################
AAA Reports Thanksgiving Travel to Increase About One Percent
BURNSVILLE, Minn., -- Reduced consumer confidence and
higher travel prices will slow the growth in American's travel plans but will not keep families home this Thanksgiving. AAA projects that 37.29 million Americans will take a trip of 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This is a 0.8 percent increase above the 37 million who traveled last year.
Approximately 30.84 million travelers (83 percent of all holiday
travelers) expect to go by motor vehicle, a 0.7 percent increase from the 30.61 million who drove a year ago. Another 4.64 million (12 percent) plan to go by airplane, up 1.3 percent from last Thanksgiving when 4.59 million flew. A projected 1.81 million vacationers (5 percent) will go by train, bus or other mode of transportation, up slightly from 1.80 million a year ago.
"Higher prices and sagging consumer confidence will make Thanksgiving travel growth a bit less robust this holiday, although airports and highways still be will as busy as ever," said Gail Weinholzer, AAA Minnesota/Iowa spokesperson. "Prices for gasoline, hotel rooms and rental cars have increased, but that will not keep people from traveling. You'd be hard pressed to tell Grandma that you weren't coming for Thanksgiving dinner just because it will cost an extra $10 to fill up the gas tank."
Thanksgiving holiday travelers will find gas prices nationwide currently averaging $2.27 - down 47 cents in the past month, but still about 31 cents higher than a year ago.
In addition to higher pump prices, AAA's Leisure Travel Index reports holiday hotel rates are up 1.5 percent (at AAA-rated Three Diamond hotels) as strong demand allows hoteliers to increase rates that they raised last year, too. Car rentals are increasing 3.2 percent from last year.
The one exception to these higher prices is in airfares, where expanded service by low cost carriers on some routes has pushed fares down 4.8 percent on average. However, many of these cheaper tickets were snapped up earlier than expected, as many people booked during the summer instead of waiting until September.
The greatest number of Thanksgiving auto travelers will originate in the Southeast with 8.81 million; followed by the West, 7.05 million; Midwest, 6.58 million; Great Lakes, 6.06 million; and Northeast, 2.34 million.
The Southeast also is expected to produce the largest number of air travelers, with 1.27 million, followed by the West with 1.24 million, Midwest with 760,000; Northeast with 750,000 and Great Lake with 620,000.
Small towns and rural areas top the list of preferred destinations, with 37 percent of the travel volume. Cities are the destination for 34 percent of travelers, followed by oceans and beaches, 10 percent; mountains, 10 percent; lakes, 3 percent; state/national parks, 2 percent; and theme/amusement parks, 1 percent. Another 3 percent responded with other.
Of the total Thanksgiving travelers, 55 percent will stay with friends or relatives and another 28 percent expect to stay at a hotel/motel. Other overnight plans include cabin/condo, 7 percent; camper/trailer/RV/tent, 2 percent; bed and breakfast, 2 percent, other, 2 percent; no overnight stay, 3 percent; and didn't know, 1 percent.
Thanksgiving travel figures are based on a national telephone survey of 1,383 adults by the Travel Industry Association of America.
AAA ( http://www.aaa.com ) offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 45 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA Minnesota/Iowa is part of The Auto Club Group, with 4.1 million members in eight Midwest states.
SOURCE AAA
Web Site: http://www.aaa.com
[headlines]
### Press Release ###########################
---------------------------------------------------------------
News Briefs----
GM not planning Chap. 11
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2005/11/18/gm_not_planning_chap_11/
Senate Passes $60 Billion Tax Bill
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Congress-Taxes.html?hp&ex=
1132376400&en=63dac5bc1d064de6&ei=5094&partner=homepage
Housing construction tumbles, adding more evidence that boom is cooling
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20051117-1423-economy.html
Home prices still climbing continue to climb in Silicon Valley
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/classifieds/real_estate/13194043.htm
150 Median Prices of Homes-S.F. the highest
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2005-11-15-metroprices.htm
Boston's building spree rivals '80s boom
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2005/11/18/bostons_building_spree_rivals_80s_boom/
News Tycoon Stole Millions, U.S. Charges
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/18/business/18black.html
Cisco Set to Enter Cable Field
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/18/business/18cisco.html
Google shares surpass $400 summit
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/technology/2005-11-17-google-shares_x.htm
HP: The New Dell?
http://www.internetnews.com/bus-news/article.php/3565206
[headlines]
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You May Have Missed
Bill Gates Loses #1 spot as "America's Top Philanthropist"
http://www.drudgereport.com/flash1.htm
[headlines]
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Sports Briefs----
Doctor recommends surgery for McNabb
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/13192652.htm
Fluid 49ers switch back to Dorsey at QB
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2005/11/17/SPG6QFPO8T1.DTL
Coach mired in controversy
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/education/20051117-9999-2m17jordan.html
[headlines]
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California News Briefs---
Schwarzenegger Promotes Calif. in China
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2005/11/17/international/i
041826S55.DTL&hw=governor+in+china&sn=001&sc=1000
SCHWARZENEGGER INSPIRED BY CHINESE
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/13189610.htm
[headlines]
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"Gimme that Wine"
Beaujolais Nouveau Great year/they predict
http://www.intowine.com/beaujolais2.html
California Vintners Predict High Quality and Quantity for 05 Harvest
http://www.californiawineandfood.com/news/harvest-2005.htm
This year's cool weather could mean lower-alcohol wines
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/11/17/WIG02FOV9K1.DTL
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/Sonoma_Vineyard_Averages.pdf
www.winezap.com
http://www.wine-searcher.com/
If you want to know if you got a value for your wine, or what the wine price is today, go to www.winezap.com Type in the vintage (year) and name of the producer with wine type or geographic area, such as 1995 Chateau Lynch Bages Pauillac. Even 1995 Lynch Bages will work, or 1999 Viader
[headlines]
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This review was sent by a reader who requested we not use his name.
Leasing News invites readers recommendations, signed or un-signed.
Restaurant Review
Scottsdale, Arizona
Voltaire
8340 East McDonald Drive
Scottsdale, Arizona 85260
602-948-1005
Get Map
http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps.py?Pyt=Tmap&addr=8340+East+McDonald+Drive&csz=
Scottsdale,+AZ+85260&Get%A0Map=Get+Map
http://www.voltairerestaurant.com
The former chef and proprietor John M. Gaudagnin has turned his restaurant over to Executive Chef David Antonelli. Along with his wife Lydia and father Martin, they preside over one of the Valley's most intimate and rewarding dining experiences chef and proprietor very fine French Restaurant.
There moto is "Celebrate any day at the special place in Scottsdale. Monday is Dover Sole night, flown over from Sweetbreads are the best I have ever tasted; soup is excellent. These two dishes I used to rate restaurants.
Here is their menu:
http://www.voltairerestaurant.com/menuEntrees.php
Mondays Dover Sole (from the English Channel) Sauté Lemon Butter Sauce - De-boned tableside
Tuesday Filet Mignon Oscar - Filet, Crabmeat, Asparagus, and Béarnaise Sauce.
Wednesday Bistro Night - 4-course Dinner for $30.00.
Menu
1. Choise of Vichyssoise or Onion Soup
2. Goat Cheese Salad Vinaigrette Dressing
3. Chef David's Entree Special
4. Creme Brulée
Thursday Music Night - Live Classical Guitar - Joseph Felice plays for your dining enjoyment. The comments have been outstanding!
Voltaire will be open at 4pm on Thanksgiving Day. Please make your reservations early. Regular menu plus The Traditional Turkey Dinner with all the fixins!
(for other reviews: please go here:
http://two.leasingnews.org/Recommendations/rstrnt.htm 0
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Today's Top Event in History
1863-President Lincoln boards a train for Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to deliver a short speech at the dedication for the cemetery of soldiers killed during the battle there on July 1 to 3, 1863. While he did not know it at time, the battle was the turning point of the Civil War. He also was not aware that the address he was about to give became perhaps the most famous speech in American history. Lincoln had thought about what he wanted to say, but he nearly missed his chance to say it. On November 18, Lincoln's son, Tad, became ill with a fever. Abraham and Mary Lincoln were, sadly, no strangers to juvenile illness: they had already lost two sons. Prone to fits of hysteria, Mary Lincoln panicked when the president prepared to leave for Pennsylvania. Lincoln felt that the opportunity to speak at Gettysburg and present his defense of the war was too important to miss, though. He had a great sense that there was a turning point in the long, deadly war about to be made. He was accompanied by an entourage that included Secretary of State William Seward, Postmaster General Montgomery Blair, Interior Secretary John Usher, Lincoln's personal secretaries John Hay and John Nicolay, several members of the diplomat corps, some foreign visitors, a Marine band, and a military escort. A reporter wrote during one stop, a young girl lifted a bouquet of flowers to his window. Lincoln kissed her and said, "You're a sweet little rose-bud yourself. I hope your life will open into perpetual beauty and goodness." When Lincoln arrived in Gettysburg, he was handed a telegram that lifted his spirits: Tad was feeling much better. Lincoln enjoyed an evening dinner and a serenade by Fifth New York Artillery Band before he retired to finalize his famous Gettysburg Address.
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This Day in American History
1787-Birthday of Sojourner Truth, abolitionist and orator, born up-state New York. Born into slavery as Isabella Baumfree
http://www.noho.com/sojourner/whowas.html
http://www.brightmoments.com/blackhistory/nsotrue.html
http://myhero.com/hero.asp?hero=sojournerTruth ]
1803 -Battle of Vertieres, in which Haitians defeat French. In the battle for independence, a fierce fight took place in the town of Vertieres, where the French army led by Napoleon, was defeated by Haitians. This huge defeat of Napoleon's army led to the end of the war, and to Haiti's eventual march towards independence on 1st January, 45 days later. American Black slaves escape to Haiti for freedom. Southern states introduce legislation for "runaway slaves."
http://www.windowsonhaiti.com/windowsonhaiti/heroes.shtml
1820-American Captain Nathaniel Brown Palmer in the "Hero, a sloop of 44 tons, with a crew of six including the captain and the mate, discover Antarctica. His discovery of the Antarctic peninsula is now called Palmer's Peninsula. The first American to set foot on Antarctica was probably John Davis, a seal hunter, who went ashore at Hughes Bay on February 7m, 1821. Antarctica had already been seen from a distance by the English explorer James Cook and the crew of his ship, The Endeavor, which circumnavigated the continent between 1773 and 1775.
1825-Birthday of Susan Lincoln Tolman Mills, educated at Mount Holyoke College, she used the training methods in a school in Hawaii where she taught with her husband. Back in California, the couple opened a school that became Mills College, again using the Mount Holyoke philosophy as well as several of its teachers. At her husband's death in 1884 she was principal and for a time acting president. She was finally named president (after two male presidents) in 1890. Mills was the first woman's college on the west coast and under her guidance it became one of the major colleges of the nation. In 1991 an effort to convert it to admit men was defeated by the students and it continues to be an all-woman college.
1857-Birthday of Rose M. Knox, within seven years of taking over the management of the Knox Gelatine Company, developed it into a multi-million-dollar firm. On the first day of her management following her husband's death, she locked the back door and ordered everyone from president to janitor to use the front door. She managed the business for more than 40 years, changed its emphasis to nutrition, and made it a thriving business. Her management style was pro- worker and layoffs were unheard of with a five-day work week with vacations and sick pay. She stepped aside as the company's president only when she reached her 90th birthday, retaining her position as chairperson. She was recognized as one of the nation's outstanding businesswomen.
1863-President Lincoln boards a train for Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to deliver a short speech at the dedication for the cemetery of soldiers killed during the battle there on July 1 to 3, 1863. While he did not know it at time, the battle was the turning point of the Civil War. He also was not aware that the address he was about to give became perhaps the most famous speech in American history. Lincoln had thought about what he wanted to say, but he nearly missed his chance to say it. On November 18, Lincoln's son, Tad, became ill with a fever. Abraham and Mary Lincoln were, sadly, no strangers to juvenile illness: they had already lost two sons. Prone to fits of hysteria, Mary Lincoln panicked when the president prepared to leave for Pennsylvania. Lincoln felt that the opportunity to speak at Gettysburg and present his defense of the war was too important to miss, though. He had a great sense that there was a turning point in the long, deadly war about to be made. He was accompanied by an entourage that included Secretary of State William Seward, Postmaster General Montgomery Blair, Interior Secretary John Usher, Lincoln's personal secretaries John Hay and John Nicolay, several members of the diplomat corps, some foreign visitors, a Marine band, and a military escort. A reporter wrote during one stop, a young girl lifted a bouquet of flowers to his window. Lincoln kissed her and said, "You're a sweet little rose-bud yourself. I hope your life will open into perpetual beauty and goodness." When Lincoln arrived in Gettysburg, he was handed a telegram that lifted his spirits: Tad was feeling much better. Lincoln enjoyed an evening dinner and a serenade by Fifth New York Artillery Band before he retired to finalize his famous Gettysburg Address.
1865 -- Mark Twain has instant success with his first fictional piece, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" (New York Saturday Press).
1883- Charles Ferdinand Dowd, a Connecticut school teacher, and one of the early advocates of uniform time, proposed a time zone plan of the US ( four zones of 15 degrees), which he and others persuaded the railroads to adopt and place in operation. It did not become law until March 19,1918, when Congress passed the Standard Time Act, which authorized the Interstate Commerce Commission to establish time zones. It also established "Daylight Savings Time" to save fuel.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/nov18.html
1888-The great baseball promoter Albert G. Spalding began his world tour to introduce baseball to the enter world. He, the Chicago White Stockings and a group of all-star players set sail from San Francisco for Honolulu, the first stop on their round-the-world tour.
1909-Birthday of John Herndon "Johnny" Mercer, American songwriter, singer, radio performer and actor, bon at Savannah, GA. Johnny Mercer wrote lyrics ( and often the music ) for some of the great American popular music from the 1930's through the 1960's, including "Autumn Leaves, " "One for My Baby, " Satin Doll," "On the Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe," 'You mush Have Been a Beautiful Baby," "Come Rain or Come Shine," Hooray for Hollywood," "Jeepers Creepers," and countless more. Mercer died June 25, 1976 at Bel Air, CA.
1916-Birthday of the late Jimmy Lyons, born Peking, China; jazz disc jockey, founder of the Monterey Jazz Festival, who I worked with at KFRC in the early 1970's.
http://www.apassion4jazz.net/monterey.html
http://www.interlog.com/~mirus/desmond/dbq25.htm
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0893950068/inktomi-bkasin-20/
104-6368463-9838304China
http://www-sul.stanford.edu/depts/ars/jazz.html
1923-Fifty-four inches of snow and sleet blocked the Columbia River Highway in the Dalles, Oregon. Railroads were stopped for days in both Washington and Oregon
1923-Birthday of Alan Shepard, former astronaut and the first American in space (in 1961). Shepard was born at East Derry, NY. He was one of the only 12 Americans who have walked on the moon and was America's only lunar golfer, practicing his drive in space with a six iron. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1979. Shepard died near Monterey, CA, July 21, 1998.
1927- Bix Biederbecke cuts first date with Paul Whiteman Orchestra, " Washboard Blues," with Hoagy Carmichael, vocal. Victor.
1928-The comical activity of squeaky-voiced Mickey Mouse first appeared on the screen of Colony Theater at New York City. The film Walt Disney's "Steamboat Willie" was the first animated cartoon talking picture.
1928-Birthday of singer Sheila Jordan, Detroit, MI
http://www.npr.org/programs/btaylor/pastprograms/sheilajordan.html
1932 - For the first time, a tie occurred for the Best Actor Academy Award. Wallace Beery and Fredric March were only one vote apart so the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ruled it a tie. Both received an Oscar at the Fifth Annual Academy Awards, March for his performance in "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and Beery for his role in "The Champ". March thought it rather funny that the two were honored for 'best male performance of the year' when they each had adopted a child that year. "The Champ" also was honored when Frances Marion received the Writing/Original Story Academy Award for the film. There was only one Best Actress Award and it was presented to Helen Hayes for her performance in "The Sin of Madelon Claudet". Host Lionel Barrymore greeted the film industry this night in the Fiesta Room at LA's grand hotel, The Ambassador. The movie, "Grand Hotel" (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer), earned the top honors as Outstanding Production. It was also a grand night for the film, "Bad Girl". Its director, Frank Borzage, and its writer (adaptation), Edwin Burke, were both presented with Academy Awards. Walt Disney also received two awards: an honorary award for the creation of Mickey Mouse and for the cartoon short subject "Flowers and Trees". Short Subject awards were presented to two other well-known Hollywood talents on this evening. Hal Roach won his prize for the comedy, "The Music Box" and Mack Sennett for the novelty short, "Wrestling Swordfish". Both were first-time Academy Award winners as were Gordon Wiles for Art Direction ("Transatlantic") and Lee Garmes for Cinematography ("Shanghai Express").
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0147959.html
1936-Ella Fitzgerald,18, cuts first disc, " My Last Affair." Decca.
1936 Birthday of Trumpet Player Don Cherry
http://www.darmstadt.de/kultur/musik/jazz/cherry-don2.htm
http://www.wnur.org/jazz/artists/cherry.don/
1939-Artie Shaw, at the peak of success, disbands, splits for Mexico.
1942- Thornton Wilder's play, "The Skin of Our Teeth", opened in New York City. The play was Wilder's sequel to "Our Town". "The Skin of Our Teeth" starred Tallulah Bankhead, Fredric March, Montgomery Clift and E.G. Marshall. One critic wrote, "As of last evening, the theatre was looking up."
1943--Two days after the American raid on the power station in Vermork, Norway, 440 British bombers swooped down on Berlin at night. The raid was not overly successful. Though 131 Berliners were killed, the Royal Air Force struck very few of the industrial areas they intended to hit. Even worse, nine British bombers were shot down, and fifty-three aircrew members killed. One of the victims was Wing Commander John White, who had played a significant role in the successful bombing of Peenemunde.
1946-Birthday of sax player Bennie Wallace, Chattanooga, TN,
http://www.enjarecords.com/BENNIE_WALLACE.htm
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000AEC2/avsearch-musicasin-20/
104-6368463-9838304
1949-Jackie Robinson because the first baseball player who was African-American to win the "Most Valuable Player Award" in the major leases as second baseman of the National League's Brooklyn Dodgers, New York City. He won the Kenesaw Mountain Landis Memorial plaque from the Baseball Writers Association. The first African-American player in the American League to win the award was Elston Howard, catcher for the New York Yankees, on November 7, 1963.
1949---Top Hits
That Lucky Old Sun - Frankie Laine
Don't Cry, Joe - The Gordon Jenkins Orchestra (vocal: Betty Brewer)
I Can Dream, Can't I? - The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (vocal: Jack Leonard)
Slipping Around - Margaret Whiting & Jimmy Wakely
1950- "Harbor Lights" by Sammy Kaye topped the charts and stayed there for 4 weeks.
1950-Marine Corp jet Captain Major John F. Bolt of Sanford, Florida, became a double ace. He led a four-plane Saber flight in an attack on four enemy fighters east of Sinuiju, Korea, on his 37 th mission, and downed his fifth and six MIG-15s. He first qualified as an ace in world War II, when he shot down six Zekers between September 23, 1943 and January 4, 1944, while serving with Boyington's Black Sheep Squadron. John Bolt was the only Marine to become an ace in WWII and Korea. In WWII, he flew with 'The Black Sheep', VMF-214, best known for its CO, Pappy Boyington .
http://www.acepilots.com/usmc_bolt.html
http://www.bootstrapaircraft.com/nss-folder/historydocuments/JohnBoltBioPt2.pdf
1951-The television show "See It Now" premiered, doing unrehearsed interviews, covering relevant and newsworthy stories of its time, including desecration, lung cancer and anti-Communist fervor. One of the most notable shows focused on Senator Joseph McCarthy, leading to McCarthy's appearance on the show which damaged his creditability. The show was hosted by Edward R. Murrow, who also produced it jointly with Fred W. Friendly. Its premiere was the first live commercial coast-to-coast broadcast.
1951 --Wanting to stay in California, PCL Los Angeles Angels first baseman Chuck Connors becomes the first player to refuse to participate in the major league draft. The former Cub first baseman and future star of the TV series The Rifleman refusal allows the minor leagues to ask for more money for big league talent.
1955 - An early season cold snap finally came to an end. Helena, MT, experienced 138 consecutive hours of subzero temperatures, including a reading of 29 below zero, which surpassed by seven degrees their previous record for the month of November. Missoula MT broke their November record by 12 degrees with a reading of 23 below zero, and Salt Lake City UT smashed their previous November record of zero with a reading of 14 below. Heavy snow in the Great Basin closed Donner Pass CA, and total crop damage from the cold wave amounted to eleven million dollars
1956-Birthday of football player Harold Warren Moon, born Los Angeles, CA.
1956--Fats Domino appears on the Ed Sullivan show singing his hit "Blueberry Hill."
1957-Top Hits
Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Presley
You Send Me - Sam Cooke
Little Bitty Pretty One - Thurston Harris
Wake Up Little Susie - The Everly Brothers
1958, DALLAS, Texas (AP) -- Former city councilwoman Laura Miller easily won the hotly contested race for mayor of the nation's ninth largest city Saturday night.
1963-Push-button telephones went into service as alternative to rotary-dial phones. touch-tone service was available as an option at an extra charge. this option was only available in two Pennsylvania cities.
1964 -J Edgar Hoover describes Martin Luther King as "most notorious liar"
http://www.derechos.net/paulwolf/cointelpro/churchfinalreportIIIb.htm
1964-The Supremes appear on "Shindig!" singing "Baby Love" and "Come See About Me." The Righteous Brothers are also on the show and perform "Little Latin Lupe Lu."
1965---Top Hits
Get Off of My Cloud - The Rolling Stones
1-2-3 - Len Barry
You're the One - The Vogues
Hello Vietnam - Johnny Wright
1966 -This was the last required meatless Friday for American Roman Catholics, in accordance with a decree made by Pope Paul VI earlier this year.
1968-Glen Campbell, a former session musician for Frank Sinatra, Nat "King" Cole and the Beach Boys, receives two gold records - one for "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" and one for "Gentle On My Mind."
1968-The Jimi Hendrix Experience's third album, "Electric Ladyland," earns the group its third gold LP. "Crosstown Traffic," a version of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower" and "Voodoo Chile" are the two-record set's highlights.
1973---Top Hits
Keep on Truckin' - Eddie Kendricks
Heartbeat - It's a Lovebeat - The DeFranco Family
Photograph - Ringo Starr
Paper Roses - Marie Osmond
1974 - Frank Sinatra emerged from retirement to do a TV special with dancer Gene Kelly. The show was a smash hit and revived Sinatra's career.
1975 - John Denver received a gold record for "I'm Sorry".
1978-Congressman Leo J Ryan of Burlingame, California was killed along with four others in his group in Jonestown, Guyana by members of Peoples Temple, followed by ritual mass suicide of 913 members. (I served as his first state assembly administrative assistant and legislative aide in the late 1960's. His personal secretary of many years was murdered in her house during a robbery of the family's coin collection). People's Temple leader Jim Jones led hundreds of his followers in a mass murder-suicide at their agricultural commune in remote northwestern Guyana. The few cult members who refused to take the cyanide-laced fruit-flavored concoction were either forced to do so at gunpoint or shot as they fled. The final death toll was 913, including 276 children. Jim Jones was a charismatic churchman who founded the People's Temple, a Christian sect, in Indianapolis in the 1950s. He preached against racism, and his integrated congregation attracted mostly African Americans. In 1965, he moved the group to northern California, settling in Ukiah and after 1971 in San Francisco. In the 1970s, his church was accused by the press of financial fraud, physical abuse of its members, and mistreatment of children. In response to the mounting criticism, Jones led several hundred of his followers to South America in 1977 and set up a utopian agricultural settlement called Jonestown in the jungle of Guyana. A year later, a group of ex-members convinced U.S. Congressman Leo Ryan, a Democrat of California, to travel to Jonestown and investigate the commune. On November 17, 1978, Ryan arrived in Jonestown with a group of journalists and other observers. At first the visit went well, but the next day, as Ryan's group was about to leave, several People's Church members approached members of the group and asked them for passage out of Guyana. Jones became distressed at the defection of his members, and one of Jones' lieutenants attacked Ryan with a knife. Ryan escaped from the incident unharmed, but Jones then ordered Ryan and his companions ambushed and killed at the airstrip as they attempted to leave. The congressman and four others were murdered as they attempted to board their charter planes. Back in Jonestown, Jones directed his followers in a mass suicide in a clearing in the town. With Jones exhorting the "beauty of dying" over a loudspeaker, hundreds drank a lethal cyanide and Kool-Aid drink. Those who tried to escape were chased down and shot by Jones' lieutenants. Jones died of a gunshot wound in the head, probably self-inflicted. Guyanese troops, alerted by a cult member who escaped, reached Jonestown the next day. Only a dozen or so followers survived, hidden in the jungle. Most of the 913 dead were lying side by side in the clearing where Jones had preached to them for the last time.
http://www.dallaslibrary.org/CGI/goldmedals/leoryan.html
http://www.lermanet.com/house/destructive.htm
1981-Top Hits
Private Eyes - Daryl Hall & John Oates
Start Me Up - The Rolling Stones
Physical - Olivia Newton-John
My Baby Thinks He's a Train - Rosanne Cash
1986 - The Roseland Ballroom reopened in New York City. The 67-year-old home for those wanting to dance cheek to cheek featured America's dean of society music, Lester Lanin. He played for patrons who wanted to cut a rug on the 112-by-55-foot, maple wood dance floor.
1986 - For the first time since his departure from his own late-night TV show, Jack Paar was a guest of Johnny Carson on "The Tonight Show". One of TV's great lines came from the show, when Carson quipped (after one of Paar's long, long spiels), "Why is it that I feel I'm guesting on your show?"
1986 - Roger Clemens was named the American League's Most Valuable Player. He was the first American League starter to be so named in 15 years. The Boston Red Sox hurler won the honor one week after earning the Cy Young Award1997 - The Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays begin taking shape with 35 selections apiece in baseball's expansion draft. Both the Diamondbacks and Devil Rays began their baseball lives with sufficient funds to contend quickly.
1986- "Amanda" by Boston topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks.
1987 ---Cub outfielder Andre Dawson (.287, 49, 137) becomes the first player to win the MVP award as a member of a last place club.
1987- After nearly a year of hearings into the Iran-Contra scandal, the joint Congressional investigating committee issues its final report. It concluded that the scandal, involving a complicated plan whereby some of the funds from secret weapons sales to Iran were used to finance the Contra war against the Sandinista government in Nicaragua, was one in which the administration of Ronald Reagan exhibited "secrecy, deception, and disdain for the law." Naming several members of the Reagan administration as having been directly involved in the scheme (including National Security Advisor John Poindexter and deceased CIA Director William Casey), the report stated that Reagan must bear "ultimate responsibility." A number of government officials were charged and convicted of various crimes associated with the scandal.
1988-An Anti-Drug bill of large scope was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. It called for the death penalty for drug-related murders, a $10,000 fine for the possession of even small amounts of controlled substances and provided for the expansion of treat facilities. A cabinet-level office was established for a drug "czar" to oversee the nation's fight on drugs.
1989---Top Hits
When I See You Smile - Bad English
Blame It on the Rain - Milli Vanilli
Love Shack - The B-52's
Bayou Boys - Eddy Raven
1989 - A second surge of arctic air brought record cold to parts of the north central U.S. Eleven cities in the Upper Midwest reported record low temperatures for the date, including Rochester MN with a reading of 4 degrees below zero. Strong winds ushering the arctic air into the north central U.S. produced squalls in the Lower Great Lakes Region. Snowfall totals in northern Ohio ranged up to twenty inches in Ashatabula County and Geauga County
1995-The Rolling Stones become the first act to broadcast a concert on the Internet.
1995-"Goldeneye" the latest James Bond movie, opens, featuring a title song by Tina Turner.
1996- Four hardware makers unveiled hand-held computers at an electronics show on this day in 1996. The computers were all designed to run Microsoft Windows CE, an operating system introduced at the show the previous day. The machines offered remote and wireless connections for checking e-mail and surfing the Web and allowed users to synchronize data with Windows programs. By 1999, the market for hand-held computers had grown to an estimated 5.7 million units, nearly fifty percent greater than 1998 sales, according to the research firm Dataquest. Today they are incorporated into wireless telephones the size of a pack of cigarettes that also include the ability to take pictures
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American Football Poem
SEE IT THROUGH
by Edgar A. Guest (1881-1959)
When you're up against a trouble, Meet it squarely, face to face; Lift your chin and set your shoulders, Plant your feet and take a brace. When it's vain to try to dodge it, Do the best that you can do; You may fail, but you may conquer, See it through!
Black may be the clouds about you And your future may seem grim, But don't let your nerve desert you; Keep yourself in fighting trim. If the worst is bound to happen, Spite of all that you can do, Running from it will not save you, See it through!
Even hope may seem but futile, When with troubles you're beset, But remember you are facing Just what other men have met. You may fail, but fall still fighting; Don't give up, whate'er you do; Eyes front, head high to the finish. See it through!
Edgar A Guest,. often referred to as the common man's poet. was a staff writer for the Detroit News (Michigan) and had his poetry published in the paper for many years.
[headlines]
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